Russia Shifts to Jet-Powered Drones Sparking Fears of Winter Missile Stockpiling Against Ukraine Energy Grid

Since August, Russia has reduced ballistic missile use against Ukraine while increasing attacks with jet-powered Geran-family drones, according to a Bloomberg report cited across multiple Ukrainian outlets 1234. Bloomberg noted that ballistic missiles have caused some of the most severe damage to Ukraine's energy and heating infrastructure, and that the pattern could indicate Russia is building reserves ahead of winter, which typically begins in late October or early November 234. President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine needs at least 300 Patriot interceptors for the winter period, and Kyiv has asked allies to transfer interceptors from existing stocks after signing longer-term supply agreements not expected to deliver before winter 1. Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi said the government is preparing contingency plans, repairing generating capacity, hardening energy facilities, and expanding decentralized power and "Points of Invincibility" sites, while Ukrainian officials cite more than 5,700 prior strikes on the energy system 124.